Lake Orion High School Spring MTB Race Series

I've been working with the school to put on more races after we had a successful winter race and we got the OK to proceed with a three race, weeknight series with separate races for school kids and adults, starting May 8th. The other two dates are May 21 and June 4. We have a reserve date of June 11 in case we need to cancel a race due to adverse trail conditions. All races will be held at Lake Orion High School and the course length will be about 2-2.2 miles.

This is a low key, fun race series being promoted as both mid-week training races and a way to get the kids (and anyone else) out on the bikes and introduce them to mountain bike racing. Don't expect a lot of fancy timing, awards, etc. We want to have fun and promote the sport, especially at the school level, and hopefully see the series grow into something larger.

The particulars (once flyers are completed and up on a website I will post a link):

School races start at 5:00 with male and female elementary, middle, and high school divisions. Race distances will be adjusted by class.

Adult races should start about 6:30 and we will have male and female Citizen, Sport, and Advanced classes, with two age groups, <35 and 35+. Advanced female will not be split by age. Again laps will be adjusted by class. Hopefully race times will be about 30, 45, and 60 minutes depending on class.

Cost is $15 per race in advance, $20 day of. But you can pre-register for all three races for $40. There is a good possibility that t-shirts may be included in the pre-registration fee. Can't beat that!

In addition, on May 1st the Cycletherapy race team will host a MTB clinic at the school at 6:30. It will be a chance to come out and find out more about racing and mountain biking in general. I should have the potential course marked so you can check it out and bring the kids to give it a try as well so they won’t be intimidated come race day.

I want to thank Paint Creek Bicycles, Rochester Bike Shop, and Cycletherapy for each agreeing to sponsor one of the races and provide bike inspection (required for registration). If you stop in one of these shops be sure to say thanks for supporting this grassroots series.

Please get the word out to anyone you know that may be interested in giving racing a try. And especially encourage the kids and/or if you have school contacts you can let them know as well.

My goal is to someday see mountain bike racing become a regular school sport here in Michigan. Not to mention that I won’t have far to drive to get in a race.